A Warrior, A Son, and A Brother buried today.

WestPoint90

[WestPoint90]

I probably should have done this earlier, but I wanted to let all of you people who love freedom to know that today an incredible man was laid to rest. My oldest brother, Ted, CAPT USMC was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetary. Last September 11th I left Baltimor about 8:25am and landed in Atlanta to learn about what happened. This September 11th I buried my brother. It is only like God to make this day one of the greatest days of my young life. I am so thankful.

Ted was a DC area resident over the past 10 years, and an inpatient at the Washington Veterans Administration Hospital. Ted was a career Marine officer trained as a CH-53D helicopter pilot and squadron Weapons Training Instructor flying with squadrons within the continental United States, Hawaii and overseas. Additionally trained and assigned as a Platoon Commander, he served with an Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison Company during the Gulf War. Ted and his platoon were assigned to and fought with the 8th French Parachute Regiment in northern Iraq where he was decorated for extremely meritorious service by the French and United States governments. He was both Naval Aviator and parachute qualified.

It was in Iraq that Ted met then Col Jones, USMC. Upon his return he told us about this amazing man he had met and had become close to. He told us that Col Jones would one day be the Commandant of the Marine Corps. 4 days before Ted died the Commandant of Marines came to the DC VA and spent about 45 minutes with Ted, my mom and other brother. It was an incredible act of service and dedication to a junior officer that had left a mark on his life. Today, General Jones, Commandant, USMC escorted my mother, brother and my wife and me as we followed the caison bearing Ted's body.

Ted had been fighting brain tumors for quite a few years. On Thursday, Aug 15th Teddy lost his battle and the Lord took him home. He had his first surgery in 1994 and had over 6 good years working, lifting, running, being his normal URA jarhead self. He had some deficiencies, but he didn't let that stop. He had to have a couple of surgeries in the last 24 months as the cancer reappeared as an aggressive, fast growing type. It paralyzed his whole left side and he was hospitalized since Jan of 2001. He sprouted a couple of new tumors in his brain that were inoperable. One that was the size of a golf ball was at the end of April was bigger than a grapefruit by the end of July.

The amazing thing is that we really didn't see the deficiencies we should have seen till almost the end. We all had some great time with him and brought him home the last Sunday of July to have lunch in Mom's home. Then that next Wednesday, all the symptoms that should have presented themselves over the last 6 months all showed up. It was so great to have him so clear and funny and himself for as long as we did. What a blessing!

Semper Fi. John 14:27. Oh yeah 'Go out into all the world and preach the gospel. Use words when necessary.' St Francis of Asissi

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank God for your brother! And thank you for such a perfect tribute! I join with other Freepers lifting you and all those he loved up to God for His blessings and peace.

[Alamo-Girl]

Prayer request.

[Diver Dave]

Salute to Ted, Capt. USMC.

Thank you for your service to these great United States of America and to The King of Kings.

May God Bless his family as they reflect on Ted's homegoing.

[the crow]

I am sorry for your loss. My [Navy] Uncle died of a brain tumor, and it appears the Lord was kind to you and your brother.

The country should be proud to have had him in her service.

May he rest in God's good hands. I wish you the very best.

[AndrewC]

God bless you and your family.

[mafree]

One of my brothers died of leukemia last year so I've been there. My condolences to you and the rest of your family. May your brother rest in peace and I thank him for serving our nation.

[mass55th]

God bless you, your family and your brother. I lost my only brother, a Viet Nam Vet at the young age of 51 in 1995. They are gone, but not forgotten.

[realpatriot71]

God Bless you and your family

Here's a REAL patriot

[lizma]

Ouch and prayers.

Our country was blessed by his service.

If I ever get to heaven, I will thank him.

[kcvl]

Prayers for all...

[Pegita]

Joining your FReeper family in prayer, and in gratitude ...

[Auntie Mame]

Oh my goodness, it's hard to see the computer screen after reading about your brother and his bravery. May God bless you and your family, and may He guide you through this rocky time and lead you to wisdom and joy.

[bybybill]

Sometimes life seems so unfair. I lost my childbride to a rare form of cancer. She was only 48 years old and had been my best friend for 30 years. Why, oh why did God do this to me? My 4 year old granddaughter gave me the answer when she said, "I`m so lucky granny was MY granny" We all need to treasure the time we had with special people and thank God for that time, some people aren`t that lucky.

[Squantos]

God Bless your family and your brother and all that brought joy to his short life on this earth.

Stay Safe, USAF/EOD 72-96

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

May God Welcome your brother Home and comfort his family and friends.
I am sorry for your loss.

[pubmom]

Praying for the loss of your beloved brother.

[Crowcreek]

Thank you for this wonderful tribute to your brother.

He was many times blessed with Honor, Purpose, and a Loving Family.

[HiJinx]

Ted
CPT, USMC

[JusticeLives]

You can look upon your brother and his service to our country with great pride, and I see you are blessed in having had a close relationship with your brother, and although this is for you a time of reflection and grieving for your loss of a wonderful brother and friend, I pray you take comfort in knowing your brother passed over into the arms of the Lord. G_d bless you and your family and may the peace and comfort of the Most High be with you.